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Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jeff Bittiger, who was serving as a scout for the Athletics, has died, the organization announced. He was 63 years old. Bittiger spent the past 22 years as a scout for the Athletics before he died Saturday morning after a battle with cancer.

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The Minnesota Twins are finally seeing a healthy season from superstar outfielder Byron Buxton, and it's been quite a sight to see.

He went seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits with three strikeouts and just one walk. He allowed just two hits after the second inning, induced two crucial double plays, and threw 78 pitches. It was the fourth time a Rockies starter has gone seven innings this season and the first since Germán Márquez on May 22.

The (mathematically inaccurate) second half is underway and the trade deadline is only 10 days away. Pencils must be down at 6 p.m. ET next Thursday, July 31. Trade chatter and activity will pick up now that the amateur draft is in the rearview mirror and front offices can focus their attention on the deadline.

A disappointing first half has left the Minnesota Twins in a rough spot as they decide what to do prior to the trade deadline, with All-Star Joe Ryan being floated as a potential candidate to be dealt by one person in MLB.

When JB Middleton went toe-to-toe against the national champs, Southern Miss coach Christian Ostrander knew he had his ace.

"We understand the reality there's a real chance we have a different locker room in 10 days," Ryan Jeffers said.